Criminal Justice System: Capacity Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Criminal Justice System: Capacity

Baroness Sater Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd October 2024

(1 month, 3 weeks ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Sater Portrait Baroness Sater (Con)
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My Lords, last month, 37 prisoners were mistakenly released from prison under the early release scheme. One was charged with sexually assaulting a woman on the same day that he was released. Can the Minister please explain what evaluation is given and criteria used when deciding whether a prisoner is eligible to be released under the early release scheme?

Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede Portrait Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)
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I thank the noble Baroness for her question. All prisoners who were released in error under the first tranche of releases are now back behind bars. I will write to her on her question but, broadly speaking, the criteria includes whether offences were sexual and violent or related to domestic abuse. I will write to her with the specific list; it is in my notes, but I am not sure that I can find it in proper time today.